With training camps just under three weeks away, an increase in PTO (Professional Tryout) activity is anticipated as players seek opportunities to join teams. The Boston Bruins are getting involved in this market, as the team has announced the signing of veteran forward Tyler Johnson to a tryout agreement.
Johnson, 34, has spent the last three seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks after being traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a salary cap-clearing move. Unfortunately, injuries plagued Johnson during his time in Chicago, which impacted his ability to secure a guaranteed contract this offseason. Despite these setbacks, he managed to tally 32 points in 56 games during the 2022-23 season and followed that up with 17 goals and 14 assists over 67 games last season, averaging 15:32 of ice time per game.
Before joining Chicago, Johnson spent nine seasons with Tampa Bay, where he was a key secondary scorer. Over his 12-year NHL career, Johnson has recorded 193 goals and 238 assists in 738 games between the Lightning and Blackhawks. Given his track record and consistent offensive production when healthy, it’s somewhat surprising that he couldn’t secure a guaranteed deal for the upcoming season.
Earlier this month, Johnson’s free agency situation was analyzed, with the Bruins highlighted as a potential fit. While he has primarily played on the wing in recent years, Johnson can still fill in at center, offering the Bruins some insurance for Matthew Poitras, who missed 38 games last season due to shoulder issues. If the Bruins decide to ease Poitras into the season on the wing or start him in AHL Providence, Johnson could provide low-cost depth.
Currently, the Bruins have around $8.64 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia. However, most of that will be allocated to re-sign restricted free agent goaltender Jeremy Swayman. The team will need to finalize Swayman’s contract before determining how much they can spend on a deal for Johnson or any other veteran-free agents. In the meantime, Johnson will have the opportunity to make his case for a spot in Boston or elsewhere during the preseason.
